Update Feb 18, 2014: To provide you with a streamlined 3D printing experience, the Autodesk 3D Print Utility has been integrated into Meshmixer - a powerful yet easy-to-use mixing and sculpting software. Now, when you click “3D Print…” from any of the 123D apps, your project will be loaded into Meshmixer to prepare, refine and preview your models to print with confidence. To download the latest version of Meshmixer, please visit http://123dapp.com/meshmixer.

We're pleased to announce Autodesk Meshmixer, joining the 123D family of apps. Meshmixer is a powerful tool for working with 3D mesh files. It's been around for while, so you may have heard of it or used it, but we've made some really interesting enhancements to it.

Check out the video below and see what it can do, and read on for more.

What does Meshmixer do?

If you're new to Meshmixer, let us introduce you. Meshmixer works with 3D mesh files, which you can think of as a kind of digital clay. 3D scanning systems like 123D Catch or the Makerbot digitizer produce mesh files, as do 3D sculpting programs like 123D Creature and 123D Sculpt. 3D design files from programs like 123D Design are more like building blocks - they let you move and change clearly defined geometric elements. Mesh files are popular for 3D printing and other fabrication techniques, so all 3D design programs can produce them.

Meshmixer lets you edit and combine mesh files in many different formats in a very fluid and organic manner. It can also help you repair files from scans and preparing them for printing.

What's new in Meshmixer?

If you're familiar with Meshmixer already, here is a highlight of what we've done for Meshmixer 2:

First, we've created a brand new user interface. All the features are still there, but they're a lot easier to find and use. A row of icons along the left side of the screen gives a comprehensive overview of every feature and tool. Even if you've been using Meshmixer for a while, go ahead and take a look, you might discover something that you didn't know was there!

Second, we've added some extremely powerful tools for preparing models for 3D printing, around the area of support material. When working with complex organic forms, you will often need to provide a support or "scaffold" to ensure that the model prints correctly. In Meshmixer, we've added tools that let you customize precise and easy-to-remove support materials for your models. You can also analyze the strength of a model, and send your creations directly to the Autodesk 3D Print Utility.

Third, we've provided the option to navigate scenes using two different styles of mouse interaction: you can continue to use the classic Meshmixer style controls, or you can switch to the same style of mouse navigation used by the 123D apps (right-click to orbit, middle-click to pan, etc).

We're proud of this release, and we're looking forward to welcoming new users and seeing what great things you can do with it! Meshmixer is available as a free download from 123dapp.com/meshmixer

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For people who want to make things themselves, Autodesk 123D is free software integrated with content and fabrication services. Free products and services are subject to the Autodesk, Inc, terms of use that accompany them.